An herbarium press is a tool used to flatten and dry plant specimens for preservation, typically in a herbarium—a collection of dried plants used for scientific study or personal documentation. It consists of two sturdy boards (often wooden) that sandwich the plant material between layers of absorbent paper, such as blotting paper or newspaper, and sometimes corrugated cardboard for ventilation. Pressure is applied using straps, screws, or weights to evenly press the specimen, removing moisture while maintaining its shape and features. This process helps preserve the plant’s color, structure, and details for long-term storage or display, often on standard herbarium sheets